Akakios held out his hand and shook his head. “No.We are not as humans think we are. Not as good or as cruel. We havehidden ourselves away for so long that we have become … somethingelse.”
“I'm hoping to change that,” said Gewey.“Perhaps when all is done, the elves can learn how to becomewhat they once were. Perhaps something even greater.” He took aseat next to Akakios. “I've only begun to learn about yourlegends, but what I've read tells about a people who led open andadventurous lives. I believe it is time for your people to live thatway again.”
Akakios turned his head to Gewey and smiled. “Yes,I believe you're right. For too long we have stewed in our ownhatred. It is indeed time for us to live in the world again.”
“Indeed,” said Lord Chiron. He stood justinside the tent, wearing a crimson robe, tied at the waist by a blacksilk rope. His long knife peeked out as he moved toward them.
Both Gewey and Akakios stood and bowed.
“Forgive me, my lord.” said Akakios. “Thethreat to my Lord Theopolou so close to the Chamber of the Makercaused me to despair.”
“You are right to be upset by such events,”said Chiron. “But we should look to happier matters.” Heturned to Gewey. “I trust Kaylia is well attended?”
Gewey bowed again. “She is. I thank you for yourkindness.”
Chiron waved his hand. “Not at all. I am honoredto have taken part in such a momentous event.” His eyes strayedto the entrance to the sleeping quarters. “And I shall furthermy participation by inviting you to join me in my tent until it istime for the ceremony. It would not do to have you here while yourfuture unorem isgetting dressed mere feet away.”
“I thank you again,” said Gewey. “ButI am still waiting for Linis to return.”
“Akakios can remain here and tell him where youhave gone,” said Chiron. “As I understand, he is combingthe encampment for more… appropriate attire for you. I doubt hewill be successful, and this I can provide.”
“Then lead the way,” said Gewey, then turnedto Akakios. “You do not mind waiting, I assume?”
“Not at all. The tent should not be unattended inany case, especially with Kaylia and Felsafell both here.”
“Good point,” said Gewey.
Chiron led Gewey out of the tent and through the camp.Along the way Gewey couldn't help but notice the constant stares.Some were of amazement, others of contempt. The sun was low in thesky. The smell of hundreds of cooking fires filled the air, and thetents gave off a soft glow.
“I can’t imagine what this must look like atnight,” muttered Gewey.
“It is quite a sight,” remarked Chiron. “Somany have not been gathered here in quite some time.”
Gewey looked north to the domed roof of the Chamber ofthe Maker. The light from a thousand light globes caused it to shinelike a shimmering jewel, even before the fullness of night.
“How old is it?” asked Gewey.
“I don't know,” Chiron replied. “Olderthan history itself, it is said. It was ancient in the time of myancestors.”
Gewey marveled at the idea. “It looks as if itwere newly made. At least it does from here.”
Chiron nodded. “The stone never ages. Not that wecan tell, at least. It looks as it did when I was a boy, and neveronce has it needed repair. A monument to the ancient craft of ourpeople. One long forgotten, I'm afraid.” He looked back overhis shoulder. “Perhaps you can change that.”
Chiron's tent was nearly identical to Theopolou's insize, but instead of silver it was emerald green. Two guards stoodjust outside the entrance. They bowed as Chiron and Gewey passed. Theinterior was set up as Theopolou's tent as well, only the table wasoval and colored green, matching the tent. At least a dozen elvesbuzzed about. Some Gewey recognized from their journey, other faceswere new.
“I presume you have eaten?” said Chiron.
“I have.”
Chiron smiled. “Then allow me to show you whereyou'll get ready.”
He led Gewey to the back of the main hall and into thesleeping quarters. Chiron showed Gewey into the first room in thehall. Unlike his room in Theopolou's tent, this one was equipped witha soft bed, a dresser and wardrobe.
“You will find fitting attire here. I will sendsomeone to attend to your grooming shortly.”
Gewey thanked Chiron and explored the contents of thewardrobe. He found a white silk shirt, embroidered with the likenessof two eagles facing each other, and a pair of matching trousers. Thefabric was finer than any he had ever felt. A tan vest completed theensemble.
An elf girl entered with a tray of grooming items. Geweywas thankful he had yet to undress. His hair had grown long since thelast time it had been cut in the home of Lord Ganflin, a fact that hehadn't noticed until that very moment. The girl motioned for him tosit and went to work. Unlike the woman who groomed him last time, shespoke not a word, and didn't bother to allow him to gaze at hisreflection, even though there was a mirror on her tray.
Once she left, Gewey donned his attire and rummagedaround in the wardrobe until he found a pair of black leather boots.They were a bit tight on his feet but not so much as to prevent himfrom wearing them. The only thing missing was a belt, so he used theshirt he had just taken off to polish the one he already had.
“Are you dressed?” called Chiron fromoutside Gewey's room.
“Please come in,” called Gewey.
Chiron entered, dressed in the same white robes he hadworn at the home of Theopolou. Chiron scrutinized Gewey for a moment.“You look… acceptable. Though that belt of yours could usesome attention.”
“I couldn't find another,” said Gewey. “Butthis will do, once I've cleaned it.”
“I could provide one if you wish.”
“Thank you, but no,” said Gewey. “Thiswas given to me by the same man who gave me my sword. It may be dingynow, but it's a fine belt when polished. Besides, it fits my scabbardperfectly.”
Gewey had placed his sword on the bed. Chiron eyed itcarefully. “Might I see it?” asked Chiron, nodding at thesword.
Gewey picked it up and handed it over. “Certainly.But be careful not to touch the blade. It will burn you.”
“I see,” muttered Chiron as he slid thesword free, careful only to touch the leather that wrapped the hilt.A high-pitched ring filled the air, then faded away.
“A true wonder,” said Chiron. “Thatyou possess this is a miracle. Such things were thought lost. Thereisn't an elf alive that wouldn't give up everything he or she ownedto possess such a weapon.”
“They couldn't wield it unless it was trulytheirs,” said Gewey. “Once it was first drawn, the bladecan only be touched by the one who drew it.”
Chiron re-sheathed and handed it back to Gewey, thoughhis eyes never left it. “I see. You should take care never tolose it.”
Gewey suddenly felt uneasy. “I will.”
Chiron blinked his eyes and regained his focus. “Ifyou are ready, I would have you join me in the main hall. We canrelax there and wait until Theopolou has everything in order. It maybe several hours, that is, unless you are tired and would rathersleep. I can certainly provide a bed.”
“I'm anything but tired,” Gewey replied witha grin. “In fact, I wish I could explore the camp.”
“That would not be a good idea, unfortunately.”Chiron chuckled. “You will have to make do with the simpleconversation of an old elf.”
Gewey’s cheeks flushed. “I didn't mean-”
Chiron threw his head back in laughter. “I jest. Iam not offended. I, too, would like to wander the camp. There aremany friends I have not seen in some time. But, I fear that myassociation with Theopolou has lost me many of them.”
“And your support of me, I wager,” Geweyadded.
“True.” Chiron rose to his feet. “Come.Let us relax and tell tales. It may be the last of simple pleasureswe have for quite some time.”
Gewey nodded and followed Chiron into the main hall. Thetable was empty and only a couple of Chiron's guards were visible.
“Where did everybody go?” asked Gewey.
“Most are in the back preparing for the ceremony,”Chiron replied. “The rest are running errands for me.”
Gewey and Chiron took seats on opposite sides of thetable. One of the guards brought them a bottle of wine.
“Careful with that,” warned Chiron. “Wewouldn't want you too lightheaded.” Gewey stared at the bottle,then pushed it away.
Chiron smiled, then ordered a pitcher of water. Theytalked of Gewey’s home and upbringing until Linis arrived. Itwasn’t until he saw Linis enter that he realized that Chironhad not spoken a single word about himself.
“Forgive my absence,” said Linis. “ButI've been busy assisting Theopolou. Akakios told me you were here, soI knew you were in good hands.”
“No worries,” said Gewey. “Lord Chironhas kept me quite occupied. Though I regret I must have rambled on.But it's been wonderful to take my mind off things for a bit.”
Chiron bowed his head slightly. “It was apleasure. So seldom do I have such a chance to hear of the humanworld.” He turned to Linis. “All is ready?”
“It is,” said Linis. “Theopolou andthe others are awaiting us in the Chamber of the Maker. EvenFelsafell is there.”
“And Kaylia…” asked Gewey.
Linis laughed heartily. “Don't worry. She will bethere as well.”
“Then let us go,” said Chiron.
Gewey’s stomach began to quiver and he felt faint.Linis rushed up and put his arm around him.
“He can face the Vrykol,” Linis teased. “Butan elf woman makes him weak in the knees.”
Gewey blushed and tried to regain his composure. “I'mfine.” He took a deep breath. “Let's go.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
As Gewey left the tent, he was awestruck. In thefullness of night, the camp was an ocean of multicolored lights. Thetents glowed brightly, their fabric silhouetted by their inhabitantsmoving about inside. It wasn't quite as bright as the light of day,yet he could see just as clearly, as if a shadow had been removedfrom his eyes, allowing him to see the cool, natural beauty of thenight. He could feel eyes upon him as they walked toward the Chamber.
“Before we enter, you must receive permission fromthe keepers to enter,”said Chiron.
“The keepers?”said Gewey.
“Guards with a title,” mocked Linis. “Mostare elves that didn't have the talent to become seekers.”
Chiron frowned at Linis. “They are more than that,and you know it. They stand watch over all that enter the Chamber ofthe Maker and keep the peace within its borders.”
“They are arrogant fools,” grumbled Linis.“It took Theopolou twenty minutes to convince them to allow himentry. Then it took more than an hour of debate to have them open theChamber for the bonding.”
“It is well within their right to questionpetitioners,” said Chiron. “In fact, it is their duty.You should know this.”
“I know that they tried to deny us,” Linisreplied. “And that is notwithin their right.”
“You dwell on things that do not matter, seeker.You should keep your focus on the matter at hand.”
Linis' jaw tightened. “You are right, of course.”But his tone still held a tinge of irritation.
“Do you think they'll try to stop me from gettingin?” asked Gewey.
Chiron smiled. “No. That has been dealt with. Youwill only be following tradition by requesting to be let inside.”
As the entire Chamber slowly came into view, Geweynearly gasped. The dome was supported, not by columns but by a seriesof immense crystal statues of elf women, their arms held aloft andtheir eyes turned skyward. The craft and skill needed to carve themwas beyond his imagination. Light emanated from the base of eachstatue, spraying out a myriad of colors that washed over thesurrounding area. The statue bases themselves were much like theglowing spheres that lit the houses and tents but many times moreintense, and he could feel the power of the earth radiating from theentire structure. There were no walls beyond the statues, and Geweycould see that the interior was a gigantic amphitheater.
The path that led to the main entrance was made from asmooth, red stone that radiated the same energy as the buildingitself. Elves could be seen pouring in, and by the time they werefifty yards away, he heard a cacophony of voices inside. When hereached the base of the Chamber, he stopped.
“What's wrong?” asked Linis, placing hishand on Gewey's shoulder.
Gewey took a deep breath. “Nothing. Nothing atall.”
“Intimidating sight, is it not?” remarkedChiron.
“Yes, it is,” said Gewey. “It'sbeautiful, though. The craft is beyond anything I have everimagined.”
“If only we could build like this today.”There was a tinge of sadness in Chiron’s voice.
“I think it was more than mere skill with crystaland stone,” said Gewey. “I sense the flowwithin everything here. I'm sure it was put here… almost like theflow itself was madepart of the structure.”
“Our ancestors were said to have a powerfulconnection to the earth’s energy,” said Linis. “Nodoubt they used it in their craft.”
Gewey squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. “Howdo I look?”
“Ready,” said Linis. “You look ready,my friend.”
Two elves strode up, adorned in brightly polishedleather armor and helmets, each with a curved sword attached to theirbelt.
“What business do you have at the Chamber of theMaker?” asked the elf on the left. Linis stepped forward. “Youknow well what we are doing here.”
The keeperignored Linis and fixed his eyes on Gewey.
“I am here to complete my bond with Kaylia,”he said, his voice clear and strong.
There was a long pause, then both keepersnodded and moved aside. Gewey nodded sharply and marched forward. Ashe passed into the Chamber of the Maker, he could feel the flowgrow ever stronger, until it threatened to penetrate him. He wasbarely able to keep it at bay. The interior, though withoutdecoration, was still impressive. The seats were carved from white,silver-veined marble that surrounded the entire hall. In the middlewas a smooth floor, made from the same crystal as the statues. Itglowed with power from the flow,illuminating the entire building. Hundreds of elves filled the seats,talking and whispering, but they all fell silent as Gewey came intotheir view. Theopolou and Kaylia were down below, on the theaterfloor. Felsafell, still dressed in his ragged skins and holding hisgnarled walking stick, stood quietly, several feet behind them, aquirky smile on his wrinkled face.
Gewey was taken aback at the sight of his future unorem.She was clothed in a silver gown that shimmered in the light of theChamber. The cloth hung to her curves flawlessly, and though her backwas to him he knew she was smiling. Her hair fell loosely about hershoulders and was decorated with tiny, delicate, white flowers. Hecould feel the bond between them grow stronger with each step hetook. He no longer noticed the elves in the gallery.
“Your sword,” whispered Linis.
Gewey removed the blade and carefully handed it over.Linis stayed just behind him as he continued down.
Theopolou’s eyes were closed, his hands folded infront of him. As Gewey finally reached the stage, Theopolou openedhis eyes. The old elf held a grave expression, denoting theseriousness of the ceremony.
As he stepped beside Kaylia, Gewey saw the slightest ofsmiles on her lips. Theopolou bowed slightly and held out his hand,palm down. Gewey and Kaylia slowly dropped to their knees. All voiceswere silent, and all eyes were focused on them.
“We are here on this night to bear witness,”said Theopolou. His voice echoed throughout the Chamber. “TheCreator has deemed that the two here before me be bonded in spirit.Their souls forever as one. Their lives… a single life. It has beenmany years since such a thing has taken place, so it is fitting thatsuch a sacred vow be made here, in the Chamber of the Maker, for allthe elders of our race to see.” He stepped forward and placed ahand on Gewey and Kaylia’s heads. “Is there anyone herethat can find just cause to stand
against their bond?”
This caused a stir among the crowd, and Gewey's heartraced, but no one spoke. “This is good,” Theopoloucontinued. “Then-”
“I claim the right of pudnaris,”called a voice from the crowd.
Both Kaylia and Gewey turned. From the crowd, a lone elfpushed his way through. He was dressed in plain tan leathers and worea long knife on his belt. He was tall, nearly as tall as Gewey,though not as broad in the shoulders. His long, silver blond hair wastied back in a tight braid, and his eyes were aflame withdetermination.
“Eftichis,” whispered Kaylia.
“By what right do you challenge?” Theopoloudemanded.
Eftichis reached the floor and stood tall, just a fewfeet away from Gewey. Linis moved in between.
“Still yourself, seeker,” said Eftichis. “Iwill do no violence… yet.”
“Answer the question,” said Theopolou. “Bywhat right do you challenge?”
“Kaylia was promised to me,” Eftichisreplied, in a loud clear voice.
Kaylia sprang to her feet. “I was never promisedto you or to anyone.”
“You dare to tell untruths in this sacred place?”Eftichis challenged. “Your father made this arrangement duringthe Great War as a symbol of unity between our families. You were yetto be born, but the promise still holds. Certainly you know this.”
“I know nothing of the sort,” Kayliacountered. “Were you to ever make this claim, I would haverefused, and you know it. I am already bonded to Gewey, and I willnot be forced toaccept a promise made by my father before I was born… if he evermade such a promise.”
“You doubt my honor?” Eftichis asked. “Youdoubt the word of my father?”
“You think to trick me into naming you a liar,”said Kaylia. “I will not. But if you wish to see the Maker, sobe it.”
Eftichis laughed. “You think much of your humanmate.”
Gewey rose to his feet and met Eftichis’ gaze.“You speak from ignorance. I will ask you not to do this. Ihave no desire to spill your blood, but if you stand between us… Iwill.” Gewey allowed the flowto wash over him. Audible gasps came from the gallery.
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